Vacation homes are the perfect escape. They offer all the comforts of home with the excitement and novelty of a new environment. Whether nestled in the mountains, perched by the beach, or tucked away in the countryside, these retreats offer their owners and visitors the perfect way to relax, unwind, and “get away from it all” while still having daily necessities close at hand. Still, owning a vacation home isn’t always as easy as the vacation itself may be. Vacation home ownership introduces a variety of challenges that are exacerbated by the fact that you don’t live in the home full-time. Th ..read more

Maintaining harmony within your community can be difficult during the best of times. But when election season rolls around, things can get especially tricky. With emotions running high and a wide variety of opinions among homeowners in your neighborhood, keeping things peaceful can feel like a true challenge. During these times, clear community guidelines can help keep things civil and foster an environment of respect. Here are some things to remember as you strive to help your community navigate this potentially contentious season.   Political signage and flags Many homeowners choose to ..read more

The upcoming solar eclipse isn’t just a marvel of nature; it’s an opportunity for friends, families, and communities to come together to experience something unique, wonderful, and bigger than themselves.  If you want to use the eclipse as a way to bring your neighborhood together, consider planning an eclipse viewing event. With very little preparation and some thinking ahead, you can organize an event that will help your neighbors remember this celestial wonder for years to come.  Here are some tips to help you plan a safe and enjoyable solar eclipse viewing for your neighborhood ..read more

As spring approaches and the days grow warmer, many communities want to come together to celebrate the season. One fantastic way to foster a sense of togetherness in the spring is with a community-wide Easter (or springtime) egg hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned community event planner or a first-time organizer, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to host a safe, inclusive, and fun-filled Spring egg hunt event that brings neighbors together and strengthens community bonds. Step 1: Gather community support. The success of a community egg hunt hinges on community involvement. If ..read more

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect home, there are plenty of things to consider: size, layout, location, and curb appeal, just to name a few. Something else to add to the list? Whether or not the property is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) community. In this guide, we’ll explore what it means to live in an HOA community and provide valuable insights for anyone considering moving to one of these areas. Understanding Homeowners Associations When purchasing a home within an HOA community, you cannot “opt out” of HOA membership: homeowners automatically become members of the associati ..read more

Why is it that the plants you want to keep green and living always brown and wilt, while the weeds you try to kill flourish and drive you nuts? It’s a problem that plagues every yard, in every community, no matter in what part of the country you live. While the problem is inevitable, there are some tricks that will help you and your community win the war on weeds and avoid unnecessary violations. Be a good example. If the common areas are properly weeded, homeowners will be more inclined to slip on their gardening gloves and get to weeding. Prevention. This is especially important for your la ..read more

With the growing use of social media and its unique ability to bring people together, most businesses, including HOAs, are using various social platforms to foster community. As an HOA, your board should explore the use of social media platforms to encourage communication, establish neighborly connections, and strengthen the sense of community. The list below will help you follow best practices when using social media for your HOA. Outline your policy. Taking time to define your social media policy and following it can protect you from the pitfalls of social media, and it increases your effect ..read more

Much like America itself, the American home has undergone several remarkable transformations throughout history. As the needs, lifestyles, and preferences of Americans changed, architectural trends did, too. This leaves a fascinating trail for us to follow as we explore the evolution of the styles, features, and designs of the American home, from colonial days to the 21st century. Early Days: Colonial and Neoclassical (1600s-1860s) Colonial The story of the American home begins with the colonial period, where early settlers built modest, practical structures influenced by their European herita ..read more

When members of a homeowners associations’ Board of Directors take office, they often aren’t prepared for what their job will require of them—particularly the legal aspects of being a board member. The average board member will most likely be unaware of the various types of financial roles they must play, or legalities they must adhere to for the sake of the HOA and its community members, before they accept their position as a director. Fortunately for you, SpectrumAM is here to help you out. Read on for our guide enveloping all aspects of the legal side of being a board member! Fiduciary Dut ..read more

Not every trend is timeless. 2023 trends featured lots of bold colors and maximalism full of styles that have now been blacklisted for the crime of shining too brightly and entered the realm of overuse.   While in 2024, we expect to see cozy, layered materials with natural inspiration, ready to steal the spotlight in 2024. As you begin to plan your home improvements for the spring, we hope new trends and styles inspire you along the way!  First, the Outs  Maximalism: Less is more, and maximalism has had its peak. Simplify your space and daily rituals without the hassle of ..read more